‘Build a society free from exploitation’

FEBRUARY 15, 1972

BANGABANDHU SPEAKS TO

THE NATION

In a broadcast to the nation on the occasion of the National Martyrs' Day, Bangabandhu says that the language movement was not only a movement centred around the language issue, it was also a movement aimed at the establishment of the rights of the people of Bangladesh. It was the movement for liberation, he adds.

The prime minister tells the nation, "Today we have earned freedom but we shall not be able to enjoy the fruits of our independence if we fail to establish a society free from exploitation. Our vow of today should be that the freedom which we have earned will be protected by shedding blood, if necessary. We shall give more blood to build up the country."

INDIAN TROOPS WITHDRAWN FROM KHULNA

The people of Jessore accord a heroic reception to the Fourth Mountain Division of Allied Forces on the eve of their departure from Khulna Division. Speaking on the occasion, Major General MS Barar, commander of Fourth Mountain Division, pays glowing tributes to the Mukti Bahini for their gallantry and says that the liberation of Bangladesh would have been impossible had they not shown the highest sense of dedication.

KENNEDY PAYS TRIBUTE TO BANGLADESH

Edward Kennedy, who leaves Dhaka today, says that he will work for diplomatic recognition of Bangladesh by America. "I return to tell my colleagues in the Senate and the people of America of the bravery with which the people of Bangladesh fought for freedom and democracy," he adds.

The Senator tells newsmen at the Tejgaon Airport he will tell the American people that the people of Bangladesh have extended their hand of friendship to them. The freedom struggle of Bangladesh, he says, has imparted one of the most important lessons of modern times to the world.

Earlier, in the morning, Senator Kennedy planted a banyan sapling at the Dhaka University campus where an old banyan tree symbolising students' movement against the Yahya regime was felled by the Pakistan army in March last year.

CANADA ACCORDS RECOGNITION

Canada today officially recognises Bangladesh. In a message to Bangabandhu , the Canadian PM Pierre Trudeau expresses the hope that the relations between the two countries would prove harmonious and mutually advantageous.

Canada will also support Bangladesh's application for Commonwealth membership, the Canadian External Affairs Minister Mitchell Sharp informs.

73,88,045 REFUGEES RETURN

A total of 73,88,045 Bangladeshi refugees have so far been repatriated to their homeland, reports Press Trust of India.  A spokesman of the Union Rehabilitation Ministry of India tells the press that 15,11,200 more refugees are awaiting repatriation.

SOURCES: February 16, 1972 issues of Ittefaq, The Bangladesh Observer, Azad, Morning News, Dainik Bangla and Purbodesh.